08/04/2025
I know this may be a bit controversial, but I don't think they should call it an "amber" alert when a PARENT takes-off with one of their children. That's a completely different emergency IMO, and should have it's own status, and it shouldn't be labelled a "kidnapping".
The reason is; It's had the affect of making the public not too concerned about amber alerts, because they know 80% of the time, it involves one parent taking their kid(s) away from the other, usually because they feel their offspring is at risk being with them, or will otherwise be in better custody. (Especially today when we have so many young parents on drugs... and judges who don't make very good decisions.)
Obviously, there's different circumstances, but even if the parent who took them is suspect, it's likely they will eventually contact the authorities, as they know there's no "hiding" for very long. And is it a good idea to incite a high-speed chase with a desperate parent?
The reason for the amber system is to alert the public to be on the look-out for a terrible criminal (and their vehicle) who has kidnapped a child, most likely with the intent of hurting them or taking them indefinitely. And when EVERYONE's phone goes off for an amber alert, THAT'S what it should actually indicate. Of course, if the parent is a true threat to the child, there should be an amber alert. Regardless, I don't think there's another type of situation where everyone's phone in the area automatically sounds off. Shouldn't that be reserved for a very serious emergency?
Maybe my opinion would be different if I had a grandkid in such a situation, but does anyone else see my reasoning?